The World Residence at Sea is a unique and luxurious cruise ship that functions as a private residential community on water. It's a permanent home at sea for 150 to 200 notable residents, combining the benefits of luxury travel, exploration, and high-end living.
Here’s what makes The World Residences so exceptional:
Global Destinations
The World's residents travel to some of the most remote destinations in the world. One resident who hosted a lunch onboard said, "Traveling to the volcanic archipelago of Tristan da Cuhna was a thrill. We visited the most remote inhabited island in the world." Other residents mentioned visiting the protected paradise of Raja Ampat in West Papua, Indonesia was a highlight of the travel itinerary.
The World is not a typical cruise ship following a fixed route, the residents and captain help determine the ship's itinerary of continuous travels around the globe. Residents can enjoy longer stays in different parts of the world and have the flexibility to hop on and off the ship as they wish.
Residents are all ages. "We have a family with seven-year-old twins that are home-schooled," said a staff member. "Our residents are from all over the world."
Residents Homes
Residents tend to stay two to three months at a time on the ship, and then travel to their other home on land for a month or two.
Entering the lobby, there are three areas they fondly call their 'living room.' There is a reception deck they check in at to tell the staff, 'Hey I'm Back.' Also in this area are three World Concierge desks to help residents arrange activities at each port of call. Nearby is a full bar, shiny black grand piano and lounge area. This is one of the ship's social areas for residents to relax and connect with other residents.
The ship is home to around 150 privately owned residences. Each residence is fully customizable, often designed to the owners' specifications. They vary in size from ocean studios ranging in size from 290 to 846 sq. ft., to one, two, and three-bedroom residences ranging up to over 3,000 sq. ft. Some have gourmet kitchens, expansive living and dining areas, en-suite luxury baths for both the master and guest rooms. A few offer unique curved verandas to take in the most spectacular views.
They vary in size, but they generally offer top-tier amenities like gourmet kitchens, expansive living areas, and luxurious bathrooms. About 10 to 12 condos go on sale annually, and cost between $2 million and $15 million.
Exclusive Lifestyle
This unique lifestyle that combines travel with comfort and community appeals to affluent individuals who wish to live a life of adventure without sacrificing the amenities and stability of a traditional home. The ship offers a sense of privacy and exclusivity, with regular social events, curated culinary and wine tasting events, and the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers.
The Poolside Grill is a favorite for residents seeking al fresco dining in the sunshine. Burgers, salads and full entrees are available near the pool.
Crew and Services
The service is better than your land home. The dedicated crew of around 250 staff members cater to residents' needs. The staff includes chefs, concierges, housekeeping, security, bartenders, fitness trainers, pro golf instructor, spa therapists, estheticians, nail and hair technicians.
There is a fully-equipped medical center on The World staffed full-time by a qualified physician/nurse.
Some of the staff have been on the ship since 2002, and many have been sailing with the residents for over 10 years. They are part of The World community.
Health & Fitness
The tennis court on the top deck is the only regulation-size court at sea. It can easily be converted into pickleball courts too. Basketball and outdoor yoga classes are also offered at this location.
This is a popular spot during the summer and holiday months, when residents invite their family to come onboard. Younger children and teens can play and hang out with others their age at The Palette arts and crafts room. There are youth programs and camps for children onboard, and The Zone is open for teens offering video games, board games, computers to surf the web.
The fitness center offers a range of state-of-the-art cardio equipment, strength-training programs, yoga, Zumba, and stretch classes. There are two personal trainers and consultations are available to all residents to work on their health and fitness goals.
The World also has a physiotherapy program for hands-on treatments and therapeutic rehabilitation, including rehabilitative pilates.
The World Golf Club
Residents can improve their golf skills on the indoor putting greens with the resident golf pro. The World's Full Swing golf simulator offers 80 famous courses residents can practice on before going ashore to play the land links.
Once at port, the ship's pro organizes golf excursions and opportunities for residents play some of the best golf courses in the world.
The World Spa & Wellness Center
Residents can nourish their soul, body and mind at the various wellness centers on the ship. The spa offers a range of high-quality beauty products and therapies in the 7,000 square feet retreat. There are treatment rooms with massage beds, an Aqua Spa with a bubbling warm whirlpool, steam baths, and innovative warm Vichy beds for full-body hammam treatments.
Barber Shop for Men
The ship's hairdresser cuts mens hair at The World Barber Shop. Nearby this is an oceanfront manicure and pedicure salon with hair cutting and hair washing stations. One can look out the glass windows and watch the world go by while receiving hair and nail maintenance.
Game Room
There is a custom card and poker room and table for residents to join others during a day at sea and on game nights. This custom card room is ideal for bridge and other social card and board games. This room also features a flat-screen television and a cabinet filled with board games and chess.
Extensive Wine Collection
The ship has an extensive wine list featuring 16,000 bottles of hand-picked labels from over 20 countries. The World of Fine Wine Magazine has awarded 3-stars to The World Residence at Sea as 'Best Ship' for 8 years in a row.
Cozy Cigar Room
Step into the Cigar Club for a multi-sensory experience. Cabinets have rows of authentic hand-rolled Cuban tobacco cigars in an intimate club-style room. Just call for a cognac, Scotch or other beverage to be delivered to your leather chair while you enjoy a cigar.
Nearby is the Colosseo Theatre which hosts lectures, movies and resident meetings. During a day at sea, residents attend enrichment talks inside this luxury theater. They can also watch these talks on the private website in their comfortable home.
Culinary Opportunities
There are six dining venues onboard. The sophisticated Art-Deco-inspired interior at Portraits, a fine dining experience creates an intimate ambiance. The creative haute cuisine 'brings the destinations to life.' As the ship sails the globe the chefs prepare regional meals featuring the highest quality produce, proteins and items from the sea from the local ports visited.
Marina Restaurant is the largest on the ship. The windows in this restaurant fold down to become the ship's activity deck for Polar Plunges and marine activities. Also in the center of the dining room is a rising floor with an indoor swimming pool underneath.
This is the dining venue where Chef Jeffrey stands at the Chef's Table and leads live cooking demonstrations and classes. Residents can also view these cooking classes through a video in their home and on the private The World Residence at Sea website.
Private Dining Room
Residents can host family and friends in a more private dining space for a Michelin-star quality meal at Portraits. This is a popular venue for birthday and anniversary celebrations.
International Dining
East offers contemporary Pan-Asian decor in an elegant setting for residents to enjoy traditional and innovative Chinese, Thai, Indian and Japanese dishes. Sushi and sashimi along with sake pairing are available at this dining venue.
Tides is also a resident favorite for its healthy Mediterranean-style menu. There is a self-serve produce and soup bar for those seeking their own customized meal. On the menu there are handmade pastas, grilled proteins, soups and salads. Daily specials ensure variety and the menu is designed for dietary requirements.
Marketplace
The staff at Fredy's Market stock the shelves with ingredients from each visited destination and region for residents to enjoy the vibrant flavors. Gorgeous produce, staples, coffee, and wines from the region can be purchased to stock one's private kitchen. Residents can shop in person or fill out an order form and have the items brought up.
Fredy's Deli Cafe is a popular gathering spot in the morning and afternoon for specialty coffee, pastries and light fare.
Stargaze
Spend an evening reclining on one of the four Bali beds at the aft of the ship. A staff member will fit Frette sheets, pillows and a comforter for residents to enjoy a comfortable and warm evening sleeping under the stars in Greece and other exotic destinations.
One resident told me, 'We buy for the itineraries and ease of travel while in our own home, and we stay for the fabulous community on The World.
Those ready to go aboard The World Residence at Sea can reserve an opportunity to visit the ship when at certain ports of call. Go online or call (945)538-8449.
